Rolex Introduces New Oyster Perpetual Watches And A Striking Red-Dial Datejust In Gold
Rolex is introducing new Oyster Perpetual and Datejust options for us consumers. Even if the release of other models may grab the headlines, it’s great to see The Crown pay attention to the classics.
The Rolex Oyster Perpetual line is the bedrock of Rolex sports-watch design, so it’s good to see the brand put at least a little focus on this line as part of its Watches and Wonders 2025 releases. As you know, Rolex has announced, among other things, a new collection called the Land-Dweller. As part of the announcements at Watches and Wonders, though, the brand has also unveiled new pastel colors for the Oyster Perpetual line.
Oyster Perpetual 28 ref. 267200-008
New colors for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual
These colors are what the brand calls a “muted lavender, a warm sandy beige, and a fresh pistachio green.” Looking at the press images, I would say the lavender actually seems quite rich and warm rather than muted. Rolex also says the watch has been slightly reworked in terms of proportions, with further details to come.
Essentially, the slight changes include a redesigned case and a slimmer Oysterclasp. From the press images, I must say I have a particular soft spot for the lavender dial. It seems somehow more approachable than the pink of yesteryear. It’s a softer shade that brands like Grand Seiko and King Seiko have done a wonderful job of experimenting with. It’s good to see Rolex enter the fray too.
Datejust 31 ref. 278288RBR-0041
A striking shade of red for the Rolex Datejust
Rolex has also introduced a stunning red-dial Datejust 31. Rolex says the dial was inspired by “the last rays of the sun piercing the horizon at nightfall.” Now, that is starting to sound like the sort of poetic inspiration that Grand Seiko takes to its dials. The red ombré dial displays a transition between a brighter, sharper red in the center and darker notes at the edge. This watch has the reference number 278288RBR-0041.
Diamonds grace the bezel and the dial markers. According to Rolex, the dial color is attained through the process of Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD). This would be a great watch to see in direct sunlight, with not just a complex dial but also the glistening quality of the gemstones. The yellow gold of the watch case and President bracelet will also make for a striking horological companion.
Oyster Perpetual 36 ref. 126000-0013
Concluding thoughts
The Rolex lineup this year has been quite blingy, I must say. Some will love this, others less so. I do quite like the new pastel color options for the Rolex Oyster Perpetual line. It’s good to see further options after some colors were discontinued in recent years (like my favorite, the yellow-dial OP). What do you think, Fratelli? Let me know in the comments.
